UPDATE: Rock scaling and excavation work above U.S. Highway 12 near Arrow, Idaho has just concluded, but motorists should prepare for ongoing delays as cleanup efforts are now in full swing. The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) confirmed that the highway reopened to one lane at approximately 4 p.m. yesterday, with traffic managed by flaggers.
Officials reported that the rock scaling process, crucial for ensuring safety against potential rock slides, finished ahead of schedule—two hours earlier than expected. “The material was pretty crumbly, so they were able to get a bunch of it down,” said ITD spokesperson Mark Pfeifer.
While the highway is now operational, drivers can expect significant delays, with wait times of up to 20 minutes as crews continue to remove debris. The single-lane configuration will remain in effect through this morning, as cleanup efforts are prioritized to ensure the safety of all road users.
This emergency work, which commenced last week, was designed to protect motorists from the risk of rock slides. The process involved skilled workers equipped with climbing gear who used inflatable airbags to release precarious rock formations. The operation culminated with an excavator safely navigating the steep slope to pull down additional materials.
Motorists are advised to stay updated on conditions and potential changes by visiting the ITD’s travel website at 511.idaho.gov and checking their main site at bit.ly/3XgQNGM. ITD is also providing updates via their official Facebook page.
As cleanup progresses, there is hope that full two-lane traffic flow may be restored in the near future, but for now, patience is essential. Authorities are urging all travelers to plan accordingly and remain vigilant on the roads.
This situation is developing, and further updates will be provided as they become available. Stay tuned for the latest information on this critical safety initiative.
